Regional peacekeeping training kicks off
Nepal proposed peacekeeping center

-By Surendra Phuyal & Guna Raj Luintel

UN PEACEKEEPING TRAINING CENTER, Panchkhal, Jan 16 - Nepal, with its highly experienced peacekeepers, could become United Nation’s peacekeeping center for South Asia region, UN’s highly placed peacekeeping officials said here today.

“Nepal, with its very high level peacekeepers, could be developed as this region’s peacekeeping center,” Yong Jin Choi, Assistant Secretary-General of UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations told reporters after the opening of Exercise Shanti Prayas, a South Asian Peacekeeping Operations Multi-Platoon Training Event, in this scenic valley here Sunday.

Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, who also holds the defense portfolio, opened what army officials here called historical event by lighting a Flame of Peace amid a grand ceremony.

Commander-in-Chief of United State’s Pacific Command, Admiral Dennis C Blair also endorsed the idea while talking to reporters. He said that it would be appropriate to set up a peacekeeping force in Nepal “as South Asia region does not have a regional peacekeeping training center yet”. According to officials, setting up of the regional peacekeeping training centers in different parts of the world is a fairly new concept. Such centers have so far been set up in Norway and Sweden.

Praising the jobs done by the Royal Nepal Army in UN’s various peacekeeping operations, Admiral Blair said that the Nepal Army’s performance in various peacekeeping operations has remained excellent. “They are so experienced that they even teach my soldiers how to perform duties during peacekeeping operations,” he added.

Addressing the opening ceremony earlier in the day, Royal Nepal Army’s Chief of the Army Staff Prajwalla SJB Rana had sought the endorsement of the officials present to the proposal that “this Training Center be declared a South Asian Regional Peacekeeping Training Center to enable us to exchange our professional  experiences in our endeavors and pursuit of universal peace”.

The Site has remained the training venue of the Royal Nepal Army, one of the leading peacekeepers of the world. Since 1958 over 35,000 Nepal Army personnel  have already served in various UN missions. Nepal has currently committed a total force of 3,000 for UN peace-keeping duties. Thirty-five Nepali soldiers have lost their lives during the peacekeeping duties to date.

“We have tried our best to create the working environment for the peacekeepers here like that of Lebanon,” the army chief told The Kathmandu Post. The soldiers feel easier to perform duties in the battlefield after receiving training here. “Nepal Army has been involved in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon since 1978.

Prime Minister Bhattarai, and the prominent army officers, including Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army, Major General Hasan Mashud Chaudhary, and Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lankan Army, Major General KJC Parera, paid tribute to the soldiers’ ‘supreme sacrifice’ at a wreath laying ceremony. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Ram Sharan Mahat was also present on the occasion.

Altogether four platoons--one each from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the United States--are partaking in the fortnight long training event. While army officials from Australia, Canada, China, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and United Kingdom are participating as observers. At the opening of the historic multi-platoon training event today, soldiers of the participating platoons presented a salute to the Prime Minister, while peace pigeons were released, and auspicious tunes played. Two helicopters that flew past the opening venue displaying welcome banners, and the free fall display by seven Nepali paratroopers carrying flags of the participating nations were other attractions.

The multi-platoon training event, supported by the UN’s Department of Peacekeeping and the US Pacific Command, is expected to develop new peacekeeping partnership amongst the units hailing from various regional, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds so as to bridge cross-cultural dimensions of modern peacekeeping.  “As the peacekeepers are drawn from the armies of various UN member countries, the multinational force needs to develop a unified operational mechanism,” stressed Prime Minister Bhattarai.

Three killed by Maoists

-By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - The underground Maoist guerrillas killed three persons at different places in Rolpa and Rukum on Saturday.

According to Rajendra Bahadur Singh, chief of the Mid-Western Regional Police Office, the guerrillas killed Chin Bahadur Rokaya, 50, of Syanla, Kholagaon-2 of Rukum at 7.30 p.m yesterday. Police say the guerrillas called Rokaya outside his home and killed him. He was said to be a CPN-UML supporter.

Similarly, Sudhan Prakash Rokaya, of Thawang Rolpa was killed by Maoists at around 9-10 p.m last night. He was killed at his home. Rokaya was a teacher in a local primary school. Sources say Rokaya had a confrontation with Maoists when they sought donation.

Likewise, Dalbir Oli, 60, a Nepali Congress supporter was killed by the guerrillas in Paachhawang, Rolpa last night.

According to a report from Pokhara, Krishna Bahadur K.C, a member of Tarun Dal, the youth wing of Nepali Congress, and the chairperson of NC Kaski Ilaka-4, sustained injuries when Maoist guerrillas attacked him at his house on Saturday night.

Before leaving for Kathmandu for treatment, K.C told The Kathmandu Post from the Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara that a group of 7-8 Maoists entered his house and dragged him out where they hit him on the right leg with a rod thereby fracturing it.   

Condemning the attack, NC Kaski today asked the government to control the terroristic activities. Likewise, Tarun Dal Kaski also issued a press release demanding immediate action on the culprits.

RPP: How a ‘third force’ became a ‘vague force’

-By Gopal Khanal

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is in the news once again. There has been strong polarization in the party after Rajeshwor Devkota was declared chairman of the RPP(Chand) Monday, defying the recent merger of the two RPP factions.

Lokendra Bahadur Chand declared that the party named after him had merged with RPP as per the demand made by the majority of its members. Devkota’s defiance brings the long festering differences within the party of the former Panchas to the fore.

Two RPP factions came under a single umbrella after the 1994 election which propped up RPP as the “third force” in the hung parliament. But their unification was short-lived as the differences between the two factions - one led by Surya Bahadur Thapa and another by Chand - surfaced once again.

But analysts are hardly surprised. They claim that RPP has always been a “vague” force and its politics has moved around individuals. “The fact that the party has centred around individuals was evident right from the party’s establishment,” says Krishna Hachhethu. The party set no ideals, objective and goals.”

Supporters of the party’s unification are busy trying to justify it. “We have experienced both the situations - when the party was divided and unified,” says Kamal Thapa, the party spokesman. “Once again there is a need for a third force.”

RPP leaders believe the Chand leaders are disenchanted because RPP has not been able to “adjust” them in the new fold. But the Chand members say the differences are more in their approach. “Though ours is a constitutional monarchy, we hold that the monarchy has to be made active in various fields keeping in view its history,” says RPP(Chand)’s central committee member Ganesh Sherchan, “while RPP doesn’t hold this view.”

Analysts say RPP was “untouchable” before 1994 and it was the hung parliament of the mid-term election that gave it a “safe landing.”

“However, since it’s a power-hungry party, it continually goes through divisions and unifications,” says Hachhethu. Even party stalwarts admit the party’s shortcomings. “Our party doesn’t have real workers who have suffered much and run around for the party and now they realize one needs some sort of sacrifice in politics,” says Biswabandhu Thapa, RPP central committee member.

But (RPP) Chand members insist the two RPP factions have a very different character altogether. They dismiss people’s contribution in the restoration of democracy and take it very much as a natural course of event. “The Thapa group, however, holds that the restoration of democracy is an epoch-making event,” says Sherchan. “How can there be unification between us? We believe that it is only a change that has come with time.” According to him, Chand made a departure from his previous position.

Those who have closely associated with both Chand and Thapa say they are markedly different. Chand is essentially conservative while Thapa is a liberal. One views democracy as the empowerment of people while the other doesn’t quite look at it that way. Devkota even insists that democracy was restored not through any great efforts but just by “surrounding the Palace.”   

RPP considers democracy, nationalism and liberalization as its  cardinal pillars. Thapa is a liberal and Chand a monarchist. 

Nepalese colts in super league

-By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - The Nepalese Under-19 Youth Cricket Team pulled an upset 14-run victory over Kenya Sunday in their last Group C encounter to enter the super league phase in the second World Youth Cup that is under way in Sri Lanka.

With the win, Nepal, who drew two important points from the rain- affected matches against South Africa and Pakistan, finished second to Pakistan in the Group with four points. Pakistan shared the point with South Africa, after their match was abandoned due to rain.

According to the information received here from the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Nepal made 107 runs in 44.7 overs after Kenya won the toss and invited them to bat first in the 46-over match played at Asgiriya International Stadium.

Nepal crossed the three figure mark due to  brave innings from Mahboob Alam (15), Yunil Shrestha (13) and Sandeep Shrestha (10), under the circumstances.

Kenya, with their deep batting strength were expected to reach the target of 108 runs without much difficulty. They did have a good start to their innings with Mohammad Sheik top scoring for the Kenyans with 46 runs. But Nepalese skipper Binod Das had other ideas.

Das, setting up a fine example to the team, scalped three vital wickets to lead Kenyan collapse for just 93 runs inside 24.5 overs. He returned with the economical figure of 9.5-1-25-3. Alam, demonstrating his all-round performance also bagged three wickets giving away 36 runs in his 6-over spell.

Paras Lunia and Yunil Shrestha extended their able support with the ball, claiming a wicket apiece.

Other participants include England, Zimbabwe, the West Indies and TBC (Americas representative) in Group A, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh and Holland in Group B and Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Namibia in Group D. Top two teams from each group will qualify for super league and will play on a league basis in two groups while there will be plate championship for the bottom two teams which will also be played in two groups on league basis.

The competition in super league starts from January 18 among top two teams from each Group. West Indies and England (Group A), New Zealand and India (Group B), Pakistan and Nepal (Group C) and Australia and Sri Lanka (Group D) have qualified for the super league.

The rest of the teams, which did not make it to the league would play each other for the plate championship.

Nepal had qualified for the World Cup after finishing runners-up to Bangladesh in the Asian Youth Cup that was held in Singapore earlier last year.

The first Youth World Cup, held in South Africa in 1998, was won by England. The English team, inspired by Stephen Peters’ brilliant century (107 runs) scored the required 242 runs to beat New Zealand with seven wickets to spare.

Call to create awareness on earthquakes

-By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - President of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) Girija Prasad Koirala has stressed the need to create public awareness about earthquakes.

Nepal is an earthquake-prone country which has already faced four major earthquakes measuring between 6 to 8 on the Richter scale. According to experts, there is a high chance that many tremors measuring 4-6 on the Richter scale will hit Nepal in years to come.  

Koirala also urged the government to inspire people to make “earthquake-proof” houses in areas of the country most likely to be hit.

“Moreover, it is necessary that government from now onwards see that all general houses, industries’ structures, government buildings are constructed in a quake-resistant manner,” said Koirala.

He was addressing a function after inaugurating a week-long Earthquake Security Exhibition organised by Earthquake Technology National Society-Nepal to mark Earthquake Security Day 2000.

The government has marked the security day for the past two years in order to sensitise the issue.

State Minister for Science and Technology Surendra Prasad Chaudhary said it was high time the government “strictly” implement its earthquake policy.

“Curriculum on earthquakes should be included beginning from primary school so that people are aware of the gravity of the problem,” he said.

General Secretary of the Society Aamod Mani Dixit said that an earthquake security committee comprising members from all the municipalities of Kathmandu valley and other local non-governmental organisations has been formed to impart “interest” and “awareness” among students from 642 schools in the Valley. 

Earlier a rally, which kicked-off from Bhugol Park at New Road, circumambulated various parts of Kathmandu and finally dispersed at the hall of the Bhrikuti Exhibition ground where the exhibition is being held.

During the occasion, Koirala also awarded the winners of inter-school essay and poster competition organised by the Society.

Gorkhali takes hot pot shot at the corrupt system

-By Hari Bahadur Thapa

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - Chief Commissioner of the anti-corruption constitutional body the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Madhusudan Prasad Gorkhali is retiring next week after a not so productive tenure.

Gorkhali, who served office for two years only, is retiring next week as per the age limit specified in the Constitution for the constitutional heads. The term of the Chief Commissioner is basically six years but the Constitution has a provision that stipulates a constitutional head has to retire at the age of 65. Gorkhali turns 65 on January 24.

Despite holding a very powerful position, he did not wield enough authority because of his unassertive nature. Officials at CIAA say he lacked dynamism.

“He (Gorkhali) was sincere, patient and a nice person but he lacked the courage and guts necessary to bring the corrupts to book,” comments a Commissioner. Gorkhali’s tenure was not fruitful. Except for presenting two annual reports and filing charges of corruption against few people, he doesn’t have anything significant to boast of.

His colleagues say many corrupts went scot-free because of Gorkhali’s passivity. Instead of taking action himself, Gorkhali waited for departmental heads to take action, claim his co-workers.

“He (Gorkhali) would forward the complaint received against any ministry to the head of that ministry to investigate,” the officials at CIAA say. “The Commission looked passive because it did not take initiative to use its legal prerogative.”

Infact, Gorkhali remained quiet when the government re-appointed the persons it had blacklisted in the report it prepared. Many persons who he recommended should be punished are still enjoying the government facilities.

The government has taken action against only 38 persons as opposed to the 130 recommended by the Commission’s latest report. The government has also warned only 72 persons as opposed to the 153 recommended by the Commission. The Commission could not take action against the government for failing to heed its suggestion although it has the mandate to take action against anyone, from peon to prime minister.

Talking to The Kathmandu Post after holding office of the Chief Commissioner Gorkhali had pledged his commitment to take action against four ministers and secretaries who amass enormous wealth. On the contrary, he gave a clean chit to five ministers who were charged of corruption during his tenure.

CIAA had tried to investigate many controversial criminal activities but could take a very few to the Court. The major case to CIAA’s credit in this period is the one in which it managed to take the Managing Director of Nepal Industrial Development Corporation Bal Krishna Singh to the Appellate Court for his reported involvement in the irregularity of some Rs 4.3m. He was released in bail after depositing Rs 100 thousand.

Gorkhali spent most of his initial days demanding law that provides authority to confiscate property if the owner cannot disclose the source. But the government showed no interest on it.

“If action were to be taken against only a 100 person who’ve amassed enormous wealth, the incidence of corruption would reduce due to psychological fear,” says Gorkhali. “Even if there was a law granting permission to investigate property only, it would discourage corruption.”

Gorkhali evaded The Post’s effort to interview him. He said he would talk only after his term is over. He, however, conceded that his tenure was not fruitful. “If the entire pond is dirty what purpose will it serve by killing one or two insects?” he asked.

Locals rap KG ‘A’

-By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan 16 - Locals of the Kaligandaki A project site today warned that they would go on a strike until the government does something to “weed out corruption and irregularities in the hydropower project.” They also charged project officials of spoiling the area’s pristine environment due to their ignorance.

At a Nepal Concerned Society forum today, they also demanded   salary hikes for locals hired as labourers in the project.

Vice chairman of Shree Krishna Gandaki VDC, Bed Prakash Bhattarai and the leader of local labour union Narayan Gurung led the protest.

According to them, around 1,100 locals are employed by the project. “They do not train labourers which leads to accidents since we hardly know how to handle the machines,” said Gurung. “Many labourers and some trained workers are kicked out without any fault of theirs.”

The construction of the project was started three years back with the loan provided by the Asian Development Bank and Overseas Economic Co-operation by Impregilo SPA, an Italian company. Sixty percent of construction work has already been finished and is expected to be completed by November, 2000.

According to Sharma, corruption is rampant in the project and officials are spending lavishly for their own luxury. “A swimming pool was constructed at the cost of Rs 10 million in a leased land. What will the farmers do in the land after three years?”

They said despite a huge allocation, nothing has yet been spent on environmental protection measures. According to them, the engineers are clueless about the standard that has to be maintained for the environmental protection.

Narayan Gurung, the labour union leader said that seven persons have died in the past three years during the construction of the project. They are -- Mohan Subedi, Kul Bahadur Sarki, Pashupati Neupane, Ram Prasad Pandey, Prem Bishwakarma, Govinda Pandey and Dinesh Bhattarai who died recently on August 24.